The milestones in the history of superconductivity are briefly described. The discovery of superconductivity is intimately related to the development of helium liquefaction techniques at the University of Leiden. The most important steps towards understanding of conventional metallic superconductors are presented. The importance of the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity is highlighted. The existence of superconductivity in various classes of materials (organic superconductors, oxides, iron-pnictides and chalcogenides) indicates that superconductivity is a widespread phenomenon not limited to simple metals and alloys. First steps towards superconducting magnets are mentioned.